A major political realignment has occurred in Gombe State following the resignation of the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders Committee and former Secretary to the Gombe State Government (SSG), Alhaji Bala Muhammad Magaji, PEN (Magajin Garin Gombe), from the opposition party.
The respected elder statesman has concluded arrangements to formally join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in what political observers describe as a significant boost for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Alhaji Bala Magaji met with Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the Government House in Gombe, where discussions were held on the modalities for his formal defection. Also present at the meeting were the APC governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, and former Attorney General of Gombe State, Zubair Muhammad Umar (Chiroman Gombe).
During the meeting, the former SSG commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership, describing it as visionary, inclusive and development-driven. He said the governor’s performance in office played a key role in influencing his decision to leave the PDP and align with the APC.
His resignation was formally communicated in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Dawaki Ward, Gombe Local Government Area.
In the letter, Bala Magaji expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities it gave him to serve in various capacities since joining the party in 2003. However, he noted that developments within the party no longer reflected his convictions and political expectations.
Quoting the maxim, “Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it,” the former SSG announced his resignation from the PDP as well as his position as Chairman of the party’s Elders Committee with immediate effect.
His departure marks one of the most high-profile defections from the PDP in Gombe State in recent times and is expected to reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts believe the defection further strengthens the APC’s growing influence in Gombe State while posing a fresh challenge to the PDP as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum.
The move comes amid increasing political realignments across the country, with parties seeking to consolidate their structures and attract influential figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
